Coun. Lloyd Ferguson wants EpiPens in every Hamilton restaurant

EPIPEN

Councillor Lloyd Ferguson doesn't "buy" that it would cost $126,660 a year to put EpiPens in every Hamilton restaurant.

After months of research, Public Health has come back with a report outlining the feasibility of stocking epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI) in all of the city's food-service outlets — a report Ferguson says is "short on action."

"I just get the sense that nobody wants to put their arms around it," he says, adding that he feels the cost estimates are high considering what little staffing would be required.

There are 1,900 food-service outlets in Hamilton. Each site would be given one pen — roughly $100 a pop — which would need to be replaced every 18 months. The process would be similar to that of the public access defibrillator program.

"There's always this concern around liability and yet we do have the Good Samaritan Act," added Ferguson, who will be putting forward a motion at Monday's Board of Health meeting to get a pilot project going immediately. "We need to get a sample location to try this to find out what the real shortcomings are."

Statistically, Ferguson says, "in this area, two people have died from (anaphylaxis) in the last year."

A stranger did provide an EpiPen, but it didn't work. Her mom told The Spectator at the time that she took solace in the fact that all steps were taken.

Ferguson pitched the EpiPen project to council after Maia's death in March.

Hamilton is believed to be the first in Canada to suggest a citywide program. McMaster University allergy expert Dr. Susan Waserman said while it's a good idea, there's more research to be done.

"I think what's more important than getting things done quickly is that it be done correctly — namely with input from all the stakeholders, so that we have an agreement on how to do this, and how best to study the outcomes," said Waserman, who was consulted for the report.

"There is more talk now around stock epinephrine in schools and other areas for a variety of reasons," Waserman said — including the risk of first-time reactors who may not already be carrying an injector, the possibility of an Epi malfunction, or the possible need for a second dose.

Seven per cent of Canadians are at risk of anaphylaxis from food allergies alone — and about 300,000 Canadians under the age of 18 have food allergies, according to Anaphylaxis Canada (who was also consulted for the report).

Over the past decade, experts say hospitalizations from food-induced anaphylaxis have increased by 350 per cent.

Laurie Harada, executive director of Anaphylaxis Canada, points out that EpiPens are being stocked in places such as schools and camps, where those at risk are already identified — not public places such as a food court.

"In concept, it's a good idea, but I think there needs to be a lot of consideration … it's not just about knowing how to use them, but when to use them. People need to know what the signs and symptoms look like," Harada said. "It's not just about the placement of these devices; it's all about the process."

The information report will be presented to the Board of Health on Monday.

In the meantime, Waserman reminds people at risk of anaphylaxis to always carry an EpiPen — and, more importantly, to use it.

"There is no downside to using it if you think you are having an allergic reaction," she said.

(7) Comments

By John|OCTOBER 21, 2013 01:08 PM

Hmmm. The cost of savign someones life. 126,000 per year. Worth it? I don't know why this is even a discussion.
Dave and Diane - People with a know allergy should carry a pen. Yes, they would be stupid not to. Did you know that you can develop and allergic anaphylactic reaction at any point in your life. How do you think people find out that they are allergic and anaphylactic? They have a reaction, some die from the reaction.
Painful as hell Dianne, what is the alternative? You obviously have never been put in the situation to use one.
Just do it.

This is ridiculous, as mentioned above people who have a reaction should be carrying their own pen. The liability aspect alone should be enough to drop this idea. Ferguson was interviewed on a Toronto talk show pushing his idea and was thoroughly shot down by the host over the cost, untrained people using it, not knowing where its located ,lawsuits and the list went on ending with a thumbs down on the idea by the host. Cost was the biggest factor. Concentrate on doing council work Councilor,at least until 2014

I do not believe the epipen should be in restaurants. the people that have a reaction usually know they have allergies and should be carrying their own pen as they've been taught how to and when to use them. Thats a lot of pens that could be out there at a great cost. who's going to monitor these pens what happens if they go missing. who wants to take the responsibility of giving it. Too many issues for a stranger injecting you with something that could turn out to be anything . People should be carrying their own pen and staff call 911

Big difference between an artificially intelligent, annunciating AED and a lay-deployed Epipen. "Doc" Harada, there certainly is a downside for a 3-year-old - There may be no net downside when you administer it to your own children and if the precipitating symptoms originate from nothing serious. However, administered by strangers unfamiliar with the art, the pen hurts like hell and the reaction to that can mask real symptoms, contributing to delay in treatment – Not good if there are undiagnosed acute pathologies unrelated to anaphylaxis. There are reasons one needs a real doctor’s prescription to buy these in Ontario, right? Or is it just so the pharmacy can charge $118 for $1.20 worth of epinephrine?

I think this is a brilliant idea BUT in order for a food service location to have an epi pen on hand to use in these types of situations I feel that there also has to be training done so that stall understand how to use them and can identify anaphylaxis.